As a complete protein source, bacon has all nine essential amino acids and is a good source of protein. Low in carbohydrates, a slice of bacon has three grams of protein and zero carbohydrates. It is a low-carb and low-glycemic food making it ideal for incorporating in low-carb diets.
Bacon is high in fat and is thought to be an unhealthy food that should only be eaten in small amounts to avoid health problems like heart disease and obesity. It is also very high in sodium. A slice of cured bacon cooked in the microwave contains 1. 9 grams of protein and 1. 9 grams of fat, while roasted or fried bacon contains 2. 96 grams of protein and 3. 34 grams of fat.
The fat in bacon is both saturated and unsaturated and one slice contains about 0. 6 grams of saturated fat when cooked in the microwave, and 1. 1 grams when pan-fried. A slice of bacon pan-fried contains 43 calories, 185 milligrams of sodium, and a milligram of calcium. There are 25 calories, 104 mg of sodium, and 1 mg of calcium in a slice of bacon cooked in the microwave.
There are many kinds of bacon, and some are healthier than others. 100 grams of boiled collar joint, which is what some bacon is made of, has iron, niacin, and vitamins B1 and B2. 100 grams of grilled gammon rasher, which is bacon made from the back legs’ tops, is full of iron, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2. A lot of niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium can be found in 100 grams of fried streaky bacon.
Bacon in general is high in micronutrients. One slice of bacon contains 5 micrograms of selenium, 0. 9 micrograms of niacin, 43. 5 micrograms of phosphorous. Small amounts of iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, choline, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 can also be found in bacon.
Bacon is a beloved breakfast food for many, adding delicious salty and smoky flavor to everything from eggs to sandwiches. However for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) bacon may be off the menu due to its high phosphorus content. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at just how much phosphorus is in bacon, and provide tips for enjoying bacon in a kidney-friendly way.
Why Phosphorus Matters with Kidney Disease
Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods that plays an important role in bone health, energy production, and more. For those with healthy kidneys, phosphorus is filtered out by the kidneys and leaves the body through urine.
However when the kidneys are damaged and unable to filter out phosphorus efficiently phosphorus levels can build up in the blood. This condition is known as hyperphosphatemia.
High phosphorus levels can cause:
- Weak, brittle bones
- Calcification of blood vessels and tissues
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Faster progression of kidney disease
Therefore, limiting dietary phosphorus intake is critical for CKD management The Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) recommends 800-1000 mg of phosphorus per day for those with CKD stages 3-5.
How Much Phosphorus is in Bacon?
Now let’s look specifically at the phosphorus levels in bacon.
One slice of pan-fried bacon contains approximately 44 mg of phosphorus.
To put this in perspective, here is how much phosphorus is in other common breakfast foods:
- Scrambled eggs (1 large): 108 mg
- Toast (1 slice): 40 mg
- Pancakes (1 4-inch): 120 mg
As you can see, just one slice of bacon contains a significant amount of phosphorus. Eating multiple pieces can quickly add up to exceed recommended daily limits.
Below is a more detailed nutrition breakdown for a slice of pan-fried bacon:
- Protein: 3 grams
- Phosphorus: 44 mg
- Potassium: 47 mg
- Sodium: 192 mg
- Zinc: 0.3 mg
Bacon is high not just in phosphorus but also sodium, another mineral that needs to be limited with kidney disease.
Tips for Enjoying Bacon with Kidney Disease
While bacon is high in phosphorus, you may be able to still enjoy it in moderation with some simple tips:
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Limit portion size: Stick to just 1-2 slices maximum at a time. This will help keep phosphorus and sodium in check.
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Balance with low phosphorus foods: If you have bacon, pair it with eggs, toast, or pancakes made with low-phosphorus baking mix.
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Skip the extras: Opt for plain bacon instead of bacon with glazes, rubs or other phosphorus-containing ingredients.
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Choose lower-sodium bacon: Look for reduced sodium or no-salt-added bacon to limit sodium intake.
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Use bacon bits: Sprinkle just a tablespoon of bacon bits instead of whole slices. This provides flavor with less phosphorus.
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Try turkey bacon: Turkey bacon has slightly less phosphorus (36 mg per slice) than pork bacon.
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Save for an occasional treat: Enjoy bacon sparingly, like once a week with breakfast.
With some simple adjustments, bacon can still have a place in a kidney-friendly diet. Be sure to work with your kidney dietitian to determine how much you can eat while staying within recommended phosphorus limits.
Other Low Phosphorus Breakfast Meats
If you need to avoid bacon more strictly, there are other lower phosphorus breakfast meat options, such as:
- Chicken sausage (36 mg phosphorus per 2 oz)
- Turkey sausage (61 mg per 2 oz)
- Ham (55 mg per 1 oz)
- Canadian bacon (39 mg per 1 oz)
- Beef sausage (61 mg per 2 oz)
These meats can be used in breakfast sandwiches, tacos, frittatas, and more. Again, be sure to watch portion sizes.
Key Takeaways
- Bacon contains approximately 44 mg phosphorus per slice
- It also contains high amounts of sodium
- Enjoy bacon in moderation by limiting portions, choosing lower-sodium options, and balancing with low phosphorus foods
- Look to lower phosphorus breakfast meats like turkey sausage, ham, and Canadian bacon as alternatives
Monitoring phosphorus intake is important for maintaining kidney health. But with some simple modifications, you may be able to still enjoy favorites like bacon occasionally. As always, work closely with your healthcare team to determine the best kidney diet for your needs.
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The Ultimate Guide to Bacon
As a complete protein source, bacon has all nine essential amino acids and is a good source of protein. Low in carbohydrates, a slice of bacon has three grams of protein and zero carbohydrates. It is a low-carb and low-glycemic food making it ideal for incorporating in low-carb diets.
Bacon is high in fat and is thought to be an unhealthy food that should only be eaten in small amounts to avoid health problems like heart disease and obesity. It is also very high in sodium. A slice of cured bacon cooked in the microwave contains 1. 9 grams of protein and 1. 9 grams of fat, while roasted or fried bacon contains 2. 96 grams of protein and 3. 34 grams of fat.
The fat in bacon is both saturated and unsaturated and one slice contains about 0. 6 grams of saturated fat when cooked in the microwave, and 1. 1 grams when pan-fried. A slice of bacon pan-fried contains 43 calories, 185 milligrams of sodium, and a milligram of calcium. There are 25 calories, 104 mg of sodium, and 1 mg of calcium in a slice of bacon cooked in the microwave.
There are many kinds of bacon, and some are healthier than others. 100 grams of boiled collar joint, which is what some bacon is made of, has iron, niacin, and vitamins B1 and B2. 100 grams of grilled gammon rasher, which is bacon made from the back legs’ tops, is full of iron, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2. A lot of niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium can be found in 100 grams of fried streaky bacon.
Bacon in general is high in micronutrients. One slice of bacon contains 5 micrograms of selenium, 0. 9 micrograms of niacin, 43. 5 micrograms of phosphorous. Small amounts of iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, choline, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 can also be found in bacon.
Kidney Friendly Bacon??
FAQ
How much phosphorus is in uncured bacon?
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Nutrition Facts
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How much Phosphorus is in Uncured Bacon? Amount of Phosphorus in Uncured Bacon: Phosphorus 40.8mg
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5%
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How much Zinc is in Uncured Bacon? Amount of Zinc in Uncured Bacon: Zinc 0.3mg
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3%
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How much Copper is in Uncured Bacon? Amount of Copper in Uncured Bacon: Copper 0mg
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2%
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How much phosphorus in beans?
Phosphorus Food Guide A half cup serving of canned black-eyed peas contains 84 mg of phosphorus. Protein Low phosphorus 100 mg or less per serving Beans, canned Serving size Phosphorus (mg)
What are the foods low in phosphorus?
Most fruits and vegetables are low in phosphorus. In addition, they are white bread, pasta, white rice, fresh meat, and eggs.
How much protein is in a serving of bacon?
Bacon contains 12 grams of protein per serving. Your total daily calories should include 10% to 35% from protein, which equates to 46 to 56 grams of protein a day. One serving of bacon provides 172 milligrams of potassium.
Is salmon a low phosphorus meat?
Salmon has 315mg of phosphorus in a 3oz portion, making it a potential low phosphorus meat for kidney disease. Famous for its heart health benefits, you might want to consider trying a honey mustard salmon recipe – seriously, one of my favorites!